♪ jump on and climb on, oh, yeah ♪ ♪ the night that christ ♪ was born [ applause ] >> reporter: 8-year-old patricia, whose family is still without power, lit up. >> i was so surprised. >> reporter: so you had no idea? >> i had no idea. >> reporter: back in newtown, connecticut, the community is shining bright with these. so santa can find his way.

lindsay davis, abc news, new york. >> i love that. the 26 lights and also what you're seeing a lot of folks do, talk about, the 26 random acts of kindness. one act in honor of each victim killed inside the school. picking up some steam, you see some stuff in social media about that. also cool, the whole newtown police force gets to be off today and spend christmas with their family because all the other cops from around the state of connecticut said, go home and be with your family. that's so great to hear. they need mental, physical and emotional time off. >> you hear from so many families. they say your priorities change immediately. you don't have a home this holiday. what are you supposed to do? >> as we open our gifts this morning, keep the sandy folks and newtown folks in your head and in your heart today, for sure. also with the holiday message, pope ben tikt xvi

expressed his concern. the pope opened that service with a traditional latin wish for peace and blessed thousands of worshippers during midnight mass at st. peter's basilica. christmas day weather. the threat of tornadoes, unfortunately, on this holiday. louisiana, alabama, mississippi, they could have a rough few hours ahead and heavy snow in oklahoma and morning fog in atlanta and tallahassee. >> you need to bundle up if you're in the upper midwest. fargo will be like 35 below. yeah, maybe even put on an extra little christmas log there. omaha in the mid-teens and mid-40s in baltimore and new york. pleasant 80 and flip-flops in miami. >> always jealous of miami this time of year. if you can't believe this, there really actually is a santa claus.

he looks the part, acts the part and now living the part year round. the former frank pazuzzi has changed his name. it is even printed on his driver's license. >> he is officially santa claus. the rest of the year, 54-year-old construction worker and barbecue joint proprietor with a wife and four children. very unusual, but very well known name. >> i want to get his shirt. the shirt he had on underneath, every christmas sweater. >> more people have the christmas spirit all year around like that guy, the world would be a nicer place. congratulations to you, mr. santa claus. >> one has barbecue. all right, coming up next, a special visit from our own santa claus. >> got to stay tuned for that. >> clearly, the low point of all of our morning.

don't want to miss that. >> you can hear him coming already. >> oh, yeah. but, first, today's holiday message from the queen of england. taking on a whole new dimension. you're watching "world news now." . "world news now" weather brought to you by no-no hair removal. it's time to change the way we clean.

it's time to free ourselves from the smell and harshness of bleach. and free ourselves from worrying about the ones we love. new lysol power & free has more cleaning power than bleach. how? the secret is the hydrogen peroxide formula. it attacks tough stains and kills 99.9% of germs.

new lysol power & free. powerful cleaning that's family friendly. another step forward in our mission for health. let's fate it, folks, what says christmas more than the ugly christmas sweater.

does it get any worse than this? >> you need to be up wrapped apparently. >> hey, hey. ho, ho, ho there. >> and thank you to paula faris for this lovely gift. i appreciate it very much. some sparkle going on. >> very nice. we're in full holiday mode now. so try to focus on the words, if that's possible in these outfits. >> this is a tradition for many, but one tradition is also getting an upgrade to the 21st century later on this morning to. >> for the first time, queen elizabeth's message will be in 3-d. >> reporter: at the end of a memorable year for britain and the royal family, the queen's christmas broadcast this year is expected to look back at some of the highlights. from her diamond jubilee when crowds celebrated her 60 years on the throne and from the london olympics. the broadcast was recorded

earlier this month at buckingham palace. for the first time, her version has been made in 3-d, a viewing of which requires not just a special television but 3-d glasses. the queen, we're told, is happy with the result. in an extract issued in advance, she talks about the achievements of the 2012 olympic and paralympic games. >> all those who saw the achievement and courage at the olympic and paralympic games were further inspired by the skills, dedication, training and team work of our athletes. >> reporter: much of the royal family is now at the queen's estate in norfolk where they traditionally spend christmas. absent this year will be the duke and duchess of cambridge. they're spending christmas privately with the duchess' parents, a departure from the normal routine to help catherine, who is still in the early months of her pregnancy. coming up next, we have your favorite holiday comedies. we'll be right back.

"world

♪ it's the most wonderful time of the year ♪ ah, yes, welcome back, everyone. at long last, it's time to reveal the winner in our first annual christmas comedy competition. may i say you look ravishing tonight in what is now a holiday tradition, the ugly christmas sweater.

>> it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood, mr. rogers. >> i appreciate that. >> can you move at all? a little tight? >> this is a girl's sweater here, but i squeezed into this thing tonight. >> really nice. >> yeah, i'm going to do a dance later on. >> green is your color. >> thank you very much. brings out my eyes. >> among other things. so we're going to start. we have top five. we'll begin with number five. we actually have a tie between "elves" and "home alone." >> "elves from 2003" and "home alone" from way back in 1990. >> are we doing this to make ourselves feel old? i was 15. >> 22 years ago. man, poor joe pesci. i know the feeling in this sweater. and coming in at number four, everybody, this one is truly an

all-time classic. "miracle on 34th street" from way back in 1947. >> a classic. i love living in new york now. i actually have a little basis for this movie. at number three, you'll shoot your eye out "a christmas story" from back in 1983. don't stick your tongue on a pole. >> everyone loves this movie. this was a great classic. the dad had this crazy leg lamp and he wanted the bb gun, you'll shoot your eye out. so many classics in this. everyone loved that movie. so no shocker that made the list. that classic scene in the mall where santa shoves ralphie down the slide. everyone loves that. a little bit of american family in that one. >> shocking result for number two. ♪ >> this is a very heralded "kumar 3-d christmas." we have it on good authority that the director voted in this contest. he's a big fan of the show.

>> we like to hear that. we have all kinds of audiences on the overnight. so glad to hear the director is a big fan. >> and number one, drumroll, please. we have "national lampoons christmas vacation" from 1989. >> this is my favorite. we want to thank the folks who voted on this. this is my personal favorite. i've seen it 20,000 times. every time i still laugh at this. who doesn't love the griswolds? classic moments here. so what was your favorite? >> my favorite, cousin eddie, who epitomizes class, class, class. >> say it, clark. >> what are you looking at? >> oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn. the clean, cool chill of the holiday hair. then that [ bleep ] in his bathrobe emptying a chemical toilet into my sewer. >> looks like a scene from my backyard back in my hometown. >> randy quaid. save a neck for me, clark. >> wearing the chicago blackhawk jersey, too. >> that's right.

and my favorite moment, maybe a lot of people's too, is when that squirrel jumps out of the tree when they're in the living room and they hear that sound. they're like, i hear a squeaky sound. and that squirrel jumps out of the tree. >> ahhhhh! >> the blind squirrel. >> i love that. he's like mom, don't move and she still passed out. >> that was tough to pick our favorite moments from that movie because there's so many. >> oh, man, there was like 800. uncle lewis, you couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant. you ate all my popcorn. we all love our holiday movies. so thanks for taking part in our first christmas comedy competition. this has been obviously a very special edition of "project

runway" and we appreciate you stopping by. >> let's turn and give the full package. >> mine may rip any minute now. >> put your arms down. >> there we go. >> from mr. rogers, i'm paula faris. thanks for watching. we'll be right back, everybody. verybody. dy. runway" and we appreciate you smoothes, lifts, defies?

red jars are all the same right? wrong! you need three uses of a $15 cream to equal the moisturizing power of one use of regenerist microsculpting cream. seems not all red jars are created equal. olay regenerist.

♪ here comes santa claus, here comes santa claus, right down santa claus lane ♪ >> it is a happy time. happy sweaters, and this is -- we don't know what's about to happen here. all we know is we have our own santa claus visiting. we have our own -- >> ho, ho, ho. merry christmas, boys and girls. merry christmas. yes, i am tired.

i am all messed up here. i've just been running around. merry christmas, everybody. >> do you have presents for us, santa? >> oh, yes, i do! yes, i do. lots of presents. what would you like? back off, young man. back off! i said back off! >> that is beautiful. what is that, velvet? oh, my lord. >> i'm going to give you something really nice. yeah, that looks perfect. >> what else do you have? >> hey, here's a little mickey for you. >> oh, look at that, santa. >> this is for you. >> and a mug for you. >> i've already got a mug, santa. this is the most cheap, rundown, broke santa i've ever seen. >> have a little ball for you, too. merry christmas, everybody. merry christmas.

merry christmas, everybody. merry christmas. >> santa, before you scare anymore suburban children, how did you get -- are you having a good christmas, santa? i know you're a busy man, traveling the world. you stopped by the overnight. >> santa had some laughing gas, apparently. >> we're going to send you off. you have more kids to stop with. >> yes, i have to travel, yes, i do. >> you look good, santa. is that a very expensive suit? >> very expensive. nothing for you. nothing! >> this is wonderful, santa. >> merry christmas, everybody! >> hold on, hold on. it's the emmy committee. yes, we accept.

thank you kindly. this is

this morning on "world news now," holiday headaches. mother nature gets in the way of travel plans for millions. >> and storms that delayed airline passengers and why the worst may be yet to come later on this week. it's christmas day, tuesday, december 25. >> from abc news, this is "world news now." >> ah, christmas morning. good morning, everybody. merry christmas to you and your entire family. thanks for being with us. all of santa's helpers up doing what they do this time of year. happy everyone is joining us. good morning again, everybody. >> i'm brandi hitt in for paula

faris today as well. we're going to show you the areas on alert right now, if you're traveling with the family, there's tornadoes possibly on this christmas day. of course, the holiday heartache that we're experiencing in upstate new york today. firefighters were called in to put out that fire and they were shot and killed in what was just a really cruel plot by that man. >> just days after newtown. we've seen so much senseless violence in the past few days. also on this christmas day, solving an annoying holiday problem -- not willis. inventors have come up with a way to find and fix christmas lights that burn out. anyone who decorates knows this a pain in the you know what. is we have a very cool way to fix those nights, even the ones where half the stand is out. so stay tuned, we have some home decorating tips. >> hopefully it will save you money, as well. later on, what do you get when santa claus meets a science fiction fantasy? stay tuned for our "world news now" christmas tradition called

"st. nick and the space nicks." i've never seen this. i'm very excited. >> you have your mug now and you're going to go through that. so you're officially part of the overnight family. you've been indoctrinated with us now. >> i'm happy to be here. >> merry christmas. always good to have you. but first, it is a white christmas for parts of the country. philadelphia and many cities in the northeast got a few inches of snow, but it won't last long due to a coming meltdown. >> it's part of a system that snarled traffic and delayed airline passengers. as abc's alex perez reports. >> reporter: blankets of snow from central new york to northern california, creating christmas chaos for some parts of the country. >> we're hoping we don't sit on the runway. we did that the last time. >> reporter: in chicago, paula and her three daughters arrived early for their christmas eve flight. they are among the millions taking to the crowded skies. >> come on, we just want to get there. come on. we're going to be late, come on, come on. >> it's really annoying.

>> reporter: it's not just in the air, on the roads holiday travel is up 1.6% this year, some 84.4 million americans getting behind the wheel. another 5.6 million traveling by plane. >> it's the most people traveling for the holiday in six years. that means any bad weather we might be seeing could result in serious disruptions. >> reporter: expect to see those disruptions wednesday, the day after christmas, one of the busiest travel days of the season. alex perez, abc news, chicago. >> that is a mess. concerns about the weather do not end with snow and rain. >> conditions are right for tornadoes, as well. and our meteorologist has the latest now from accuweather. good morning, andrew. >> thank you, and good morning, rob and brandi. unsettled christmas across much of the south. severe weather threat. the main focus between interstate 10 and 20. a threat for damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes. this will impact baton rouge, new orleans, mobile, even into southern and central portions of

mississippi and alabama and the western panhandle of florida. on the backside of this system, heavy snowfall from the intermountain west. that's across the sooner state that could pick up half a foot. rob and brandi, back to you. >> thanks a lot, andrew. and it is a sad christmas morning in a suburb outside of rochester, new york. friends, family and neighbors are mourning the volunteer firefighters who were fatally shot as they responded to a fire call. the shooter identified as a 62-year-old ex-con killed himself. seven homes burned down. the gunman's sister is among those still unaccounted for. now we turn to syria, where christians are praying for peace in their war-torn country on this christmas day. because of security reasons, churches hosted christmas eve services at 5:00 last night, not at midnight. the state department has condemned in the strongest terms the recent wave of bombings that have targeted civilians launched by the assad regime. pope benedict xvi called for prayers for syrians and others

in the middle east living in conflict. his christmas message opened with a traditional latin wish for peace, especially to those who live and suffer in places where christ lived. the pope expressed hope that people caught up in the high tech world find room in their hearts for god. thousands of christian pilgrims celebrated mass in bethlehem this morning, the town where it is believed christ was born. the holiday was especially joyous on the west bank after the united nations recognized palestine as an independent state. here in the u.s., it is a day for worship, for exchanging gifts, getting together with family and friends and planning a return to the malls tomorrow. shoppers will find deep discounts at stores and online because the pre-christmas retail numbers were a little disappointing this time around. the discounts could be as much as 80%, as merchants try to clear inventory from their shelves.

you always hear don't go with the other folks before christmas, wait till afterwards. now you'll find some really good deals. so enjoy all that, folks. more shopping news here. shoppers in seoul, south korea got a cool surprise. a flash mob singing christmas carols in a mall there. it started with a saxophone player and spread through social media and mobile devices, too. >> they ran through "silent night" and "joy to the world." even those not connected seemed to get in the spirit and sing. listen in. [ singing in foreign language ] ♪ >> great to hear it in another language, as well. you understand the melody but it's not in english, which is fantastic. >> christmas cheer around the world, very cool. flash mobs are crazy popular. you never know where they're going to pop up. good to see that. coming up next, a christmas tradition here that is out of

this world. a down-to-earth invention to take some of the hassle out of the christmas lights that just burn out. you're watching "world news now." stmas lights that just burn out. you're watching "world news now." care of the christmas lights that have burned out. you're watching "world news now." r it's time to change the way we clean.

it's time to free ourselves from the smell and harshness of bleach. and free ourselves from worrying about the ones we love. new lysol power & free has more cleaning power than bleach. how? the secret is the hydrogen peroxide formula. it attacks tough stains and kills 99.9% of germs. new lysol power & free. powerful cleaning that's family friendly. another step forward in our mission for health. this is another! ta-daa! try charmin ultra strong. it cleans so well and you can use up to four times less than the leading value brand. oh! there it is. thanks son. hey! [ female announcer ] charmin ultra strong has a duraclean texture that can help you get clean while still using less.

and it's four times stronger versus the leading value brand. charmin ultra strong helps keep you and your underwear clean. we all go. why not enjoy the go with charmin ultra strong?

♪ have you got that figured out? >> you might as well read it because i don't know what i'm doing. >> one of the worst parts of decorating a christmas tree is when one of the lights go out

and the whole string goes dark. >> there is a solution to the problem. an invention called the light keeper pro kit. this little gun looking thing. paula faris talked to the inventor. check it out. >> i'm a little skeptical about your philosophy. you say that 95% of the light strands out there that are in disrepair can be fixed. >> that's true. most people don't realize it. all it takes is one bulb to be out and that whole section will not work. you don't want to use a stapler. a stapler is not the way to go. christmas vacation, you know, the griswolds, he does about everything you can think of that you don't want to do. >> clark! >> honey, i think i know what's wrong. >> you have a hotline, but you also have a device that i can use at home. >> yes. and it's called the light keeper pro. it belongs in everyone's christmas toolbox. you can scan a light set and it will help you find a loose or missing bulb or loose wire. where it stops beeping is where

the problem is. >> this particular strand, half of it is working, half is not. >> you can find a loose bulb andskin and that beeping tells us there's power. this side, no power. power, no power. so i'm going to fool with this one, and sure enough, this bulb happened to be loose. now we're back in business. that is the most common problem with a light set. one bulb burns out, the current can't get through to the rest of the set and the entire section wasn't working. so rather than throw it away, now you can keep this light set working for years. >> i have a confession. this is the back of the tree. as you can see, we have several -- we have a ball of bad lights right here and a ball of bad lights down here. half the strands are working. i want to see if you can fix them. >> more than happy to. i put that in there and pull the trigger.

now you'll notice the lights that are working, except here's a bad bulb. >> so it's time for the moment of truth. three, two, one. >> very cool. i never knew. i just threw them out or tuck them in the back. >> you know as a kid you were in charge of going around and -- dad always had you do that. >> this thing just checks it all out. >> that's where it goes out, right, willis? >> you got that right. >> santa believes it. >> good tips. there thank you, paula, for that report. that's good. coming up next, a "world news now" trip. >> i'm excited. it's a version of santa claus story told in a very unique way that's simply out of this world. that's next. "world new

♪ ♪ i've been flying around from house to house ♪ ♪ dancing on the roof tops as quiet as a mouse ♪ merry christmas. >> i like that. >> there's a christmas tradition here i didn't know about. it's the story of santa claus and his extraterrestrial helpers. >> it's a heartwarming story for the whole family on this christmas morning. so here it is, "st. nick and the space nicks." >> twas on earth before christmas on a cold winter's flight, when a bright, shimmering object popped into sight. each tiny reindeer landed and pranced before st. nick at the chimney of york. when suddenly in the heavens as quick as a wink, a flying saucer shot by in a great burst of pink. electrons and protons measured the sky as the sound of sleigh bells followed it by. st. nick looked up in wonder and saw a pink pie.

and when it crash landed he heard extreme sigh. he slid from the chimney and looked from the roof to the ground full of snow. stuck to his waist with its feet in the air was a strange purple creature with long purple hair. it rumbled and jumbled. it picked up its hat and landed with care. the stranger wore a cap exactly as he and had a merry old face full of laughter and glee. who are you, santa said to this stranger so weird. but the creature said words that got stuck in his beard. st. nick wrinkles his brow and shook his head and said i can't understand a word you said. the creature turned a knob that was next to his ear and the words that came out were perfectly clear. i'm venic from venus and i lost my way when my hat flew off towards the milky way. i jumped to retrieve it and tripped on a star. it looks like i tumbled from near to afar. you're on earth santa said with a grip. i'm sorry you went into that awful spin. venic crossed his eyes and pulled on his ear and held in

his hands a large purple tear. i come from the planet of the same magnitude, but it takes 11 hours to cover my brood. i'm only half done and have much to do. how can i travel when i lost my gazoo? gazoo said st. nick? much in surprise as laughter filled his merry old eyes. gazoo said venic, as he drew in the snow a walrus. what can they be? they are reindeer from space that go around and around in a very quick pace. they each have ten legs that tickle the air. and when you think they're here, they're already there. but they're gone and without my gazoo, my, oh my, what will i do? st. nicholas pulled on his beard and adjusted his sash. thought on the problem and said in a flash. have no fear, for when i'm through, i'll fly you to venus by reindeer express and we'll deliver your toys in much time

less. hop into my sleigh and hold on to your hat. away, reindeer, onward and upward, how about that? so on that night, they started anew. saint nick, venic and his eighth reindeer crew. st. nick offered candy that venic could chew and showed him the cities, the old and new. when they delivered the last christmas toy, st. nick pointed his sleigh toward the star, joy. more rapid than light, they sped through the night and passed sputnik and beat nick and the eagle in flight. st. nick and venic flew into star space and the whole universe smiled with a big, happy face. christmas was everywhere that they could see. and when they reached venus, santa laughed. the stars glistened and sparkled so bright. and lit up the heavens with christmas tree light. then in a twinkle, the great

northern star, all the space nicks came from near and far. there must have been thousands that popped from the sky. st. nicholas was amazed and astonished to see so many creatures dressed exactly as he. the colors of these space nicks were grand to behold. some even flashed like sequins of gold. they had sacks of toys, all different and gay, and many kinds of games for the children to play. there were moon dolls and hobos from space. and a different kind of candy with an all-around taste. the space nicks worked quickly in venus' short night. and christmas shined wondrously before morning's bright light. venic looked out and wondered is this but a dream? with joy in his heart for this gift so dear, he thanked his new friend, you saved christmas this year. so when they departed and said

their goodbyes, there were hugs of goodness and tears in their eyes. well, since that time many christmases went by and santa claus saw no more pie in the sky. that is until fourscore and three years hence, when a part of space fell through our o zone fence. the wind and sea blew all that night. the raging storm was a terrible fright. the north pole blew over and the snow blew deep. all the candies and toys were thrown in a heap. everything was ruined or blown out of sight. nothing good happened and nothing was right. when suddenly a good thought sat on st. nick's head that filled him with hope and nothing to dread. he looked to the sky to the heavens above. there are billions of stars that sparkle with love. st. nick looked to the sky to the bright milky way and saw a red rocket that looked like a sleigh. from out of the heavens and into the night, thousands of space

nick via space flight. they brought all their toys and their candies delight and delivered the joys of christmas that night. when they had finished, they flew back to space and st. nick couldn't have had a happier face. he stood at the north pole that christmas night and looked to the sky that sparkled star. bright. when there suddenly flew a walrus dressed in tuxedo blue. it was venic from venus in a world of gold light, and the space nicks together who lit up the night. they sang in the heavens in voices of gold, as star dust settled in words to behold. merry christmas, good earth, have faith and good cheer. merry christmas, good earth, and happy new year. >> space nicks is actually a book created by bill westerfield of the abc news graphics department. >> and you can look for the book in stores and online and there's a new app to share the story. >> and of course, christmas morning, we had to bring back the virgin eggnog. >> yes, this is not spiked. >> not yet.

so yes, indeed. so we hope whatever you're doing today, wherever you are, all of us from everyone at abc and our crazy overnight crew, we wish you a very, very merry, merry christmas. we have one more special thing coming up next after the break. so stay right there. coming up next after the break. so stay right there. it has to work. ♪ make just one someone happy and when it's a toys for tots child, well, what could be more important? so this year, every hasbro toy donated to toys for tots will be powered by duracell. happy holidays. duracell with duralock. trusted everywhere.

♪ doing it with a cold, just not going to happen. vicks dayquil -- powerful non-drowsy 6-symptom cold & flu relief. ♪ no matter what city you're playing tomorrow.

[ coughs ] [ male announcer ] you can't let a cold keep you up tonight. ♪ vicks nyquil -- powerful nighttime 6-symptom cold & flu relief. ♪ of course, it's christmas morning, everybody. so paula, you and i had to come back here and do a gift exchange. have some fun with it. it is the season of giving and here we are, it is christmas morning. we're in our pjs. we're comfortable this morning. >> we just rolled out of bed. >> not together. that's how rumors start. >> don't get the wrong idea. so we had only one rule. every gift that we bought for one another had to be an as-seen-on tv item. >> which is a brilliant theme. >> now, you've got to go fast. i got you five gifts. and it had to be under $50.

this, i got to explain, because you love potato chips. >> i do. >> it seals it and it sucks all of the air out. >> so they stay fresh longer. i like that, paula. >> just in case you have any bats in the cave or nose hair hanging out. >> can i be honest? i've looked at this and wanted it. you've got to get the bats out of the cave every now and again. i'm getting old. this is going to be used. i will use that this morning. later today. i love this. >> rob actually has a foot phobia, i would say. >> feet are revolting to me. >> this is to use on jenny, your girlfriend. you can scrape all of the callouss off of her. >> come here, let me get that bunyan, baby. she likes foot stuff. >> are you going to regift that? >> no.

i'm going to use all this. >> this is because you love your -- what are they called? cake balls. >> we had these on the show a year ago. those are good. >> last but not least, because we need space. >> these are good. we need things in new york for storage. very nice. thank you so much. these are good. >> mine are not wrapped. >> in true dude fashion. >> you always complain about the studio being very cold. so this should help out. slippers. >> i saw these and i liked them. >> and you can heat them in the microwave. then you can wear them under the desk because they keep it so cold here. i knew you liked that. and also, really quick here, because you talked about this before, and i wanted to get you the genie bra, because -- >> my genie in a bottle. >> because every holiday season, everyone needs a lift. >> we do need a lift. >> and that is yours. merry christmas, everybody. thanks for watching. >> merry christmas!

ho, ho, ho. i'm only in my 60's... i've got a nice long life ahead. big plans. so when i found out medicare doesn't pay all my medical expenses, i got a medicare supplement insurance plan. [ male announcer ] if you're eligible for medicare, you may know it only covers about 80% of your part b medical expenses. the rest is up to you. call and find out

about an aarp medicare supplement insurance plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company. like all standardized medicare supplement plans, it could save you thousands in out-of-pocket costs. call now to request your free decision guide. i've been with my doctor for 12 years. now i know i'll be able to stick with him. you'll be able to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts medicare patients. plus, there are no networks, and you never need a referral. see why millions of people have already enrolled in the only medicare supplement insurance plans endorsed by aarp. don't wait. call now.

this morning on "world news now," cruel christmas. four volunteer firefighters ambushed in a fatal upstate new york plot. >> the suspect, who set the fire, only to fire bullets at them as they responded is among the dead. it is tuesday, december 25. >> from abc news, this is "world news now." >> good morning, everybody. and merry christmas, of course. christmas day, the wee hours of the morning. we're sure a lot of you santa helpers are up right now, taking care of your christmas business. and we want to welcome you and

thank you for joining us today on the show. i'm rob nelson. >> and i'm brandi hitt. maybe you're wrapping presents at the last minute that you went shopping for. did you do some of that? >> yes, i did. thank god for the internet. >> i'm in for paula faris today because she's also on assignment. really, this is a tragedy to have to report this today. a heartbreaking christmas morning for the families of two firefighters. it is our top story. and also, why christmas may never be the same in newtown, connecticut. despite all the attempts from well wishers, you look at the christmas trees, the gifts, the messages and you have to think of what they're going through right now on this christmas day. >> the outpourings have been incredible. also this christmas morning, fond memories of a veteran tv actor who made us laugh and think and how jack klugman is

being remembered this morning after so many successful roles on television. i grew up watching "quincy" we'll give you details on his life and career coming up. also later on, hollywood banks on success today with blockbuster movies being released on this christmas. we'll take a look at the big releases and see which ones are getting so much oscar buzz at the end of the year. but first, heart broken friends, families and neighbors gathered christmas eve to remember the firefighters who died and those who are still recovering. >> it was an emotional vigil and police say there may still be other victims in the seven burned out houses. paula faris reports on how the tragedy near rochester unfolded. >> reporter: the fire broke out just before sunrise. the 911 call at 5:00 a.m.

two firefighters sped to the scene in their engine and two others drove their cars. when they moved in to battle the blaze, gun fire. >> reporting three firefighters injured, one taking cover in a crashed fire truck. who have been down in the street and they're serious. >> reporter: police now say it was all a trap, that a gunman was laying in wait for the first responders to arrive. all four firefighters were shot. >> fireman mike chiparini was a lieutenant with the western police department was deceased at the scene. >> reporter: 43-year-old chiparini was the firefighter of the year just two weeks ago. also slain, thomas tachuvka. the department calls him a tremendous young man. >> people go up in the middle of the night to put out fires and they don't expect to be shot and killed. >> reporter: the gunman has been identified as 62-year-old

william spangler. whose home burned, he had a lengthy criminal history. he served 17 years for killing his grandmother with a hammer in 1980. no word of his motive. or where he got his guns. >> spangler was a convicted felon, he's not allowed to possess weapons. >> reporter: two firefighters are in stable condition in the hospital. 33 people were evacuated after the fire engulfed seven homes. >> it's a shock that something like this would happen. but for some reason violence is rearing its ugly head in this community and everywhere. >> reporter: paula faris, abc news, new york. >> and the police chief there said that he probably used several weapons and likely a rifle, which he brought up immediately. i know everyone is going to want to know if he used an assault rifle. they're looking into that. >> it's hard to imagine in the wake of newtown this will not again spur conversation how this

guy had access to guns, the whole mental health angle again, killed his grandmother and set this plot for firefighters. i mean, it's hard to get your mind around this kind of violence and sickness. but you're going add this to the list a very long list of tragedies we've seen where guns get in the hands of the wrong people. how and why and sadly two more people lose their lives yesterday. it's heartbreaking. so again, much like newtown, our thoughts so that community as well on christmas, no less. speaking of newtown, it is a quiet and sad christmas in newtown, connecticut. with americans all across the country reaching out after the school massacre. officers from other police departments are even covering for their colleagues so those officers can spend the day with their families. after more than a week of dealing with tragedy. it is a tough holiday for the locals and visitors. >> every single second that i think of newtown, and i think of every parent that lost a child, how do you get through

christmas? >> it's just a tragedy. next year, i don't think this will ever go away. just somehow move on and just remember all these little kids. >> definitely. an overflow crowd attended christmas eve services in newtown trinity episksple church. while the gifts and tributes continue to arrive in that stricken town. meanwhile, grief has turned to ager in indianapolis where three people accused of setting off a fatal gas explosion pleaded not guilty. two people were killed and five homes destroyed in the blast last month. prosecutors say the three suspects blew up a house to collect the insurance money. they are now charged with murder, arson and other charge and did face a judge yesterday on christmas eve. doctors in houston are keeping former president george h.w. bush in the hospital longer than expected because he's developed a fever.

he's been fighting a lingering illness since thanksgiving. the 41st president was hospitalized with bronchitis and his medical team says every time he passes one medical hurdle, another pops up. mr. bush is 88 years old. and how about some happier news this morning. american troops observe christmas in afghanistan with fellow soldiers on duty there. they celebrated with a meal and candle light vigil. the number of troops serving in afghanistan is going down. prior to the official u.s. withdrawal by the end of 2014. in northern california, one man is dead after an avalanche at a ski resort. the 49-year-old snowboarder was buried on the slopes near lake tahoe. it was several hours before his friends realized he was missing. it's believed he's the only person caught in that slide. winter storms dumped three feet of snow in that area. it's a white christmas for much of the northeast after a

light snowfall last night. the snow started falling on the philadelphia area on christmas eve. higher elevations outside the city could get about two inches or so. the snow may not last long here and other areas of the northeast. that's because rainfall is on the way tomorrow morning. so it's a little flirtation with a white christmas. seeing a little snow this time of the year is a good thing. >> just a little bit. >> just enough. no blizzards. >> unfortunately, along with the snow, there's still a threat of tornados in the south, if you can believe it on this christmas day. >> andrew is watching all the severe weather on this holiday morning. he's over at accuweather good morning, andrew. >> thank you and good morning, rob and brandi. a very unsettled christmas across much of the south. severe weather and snow here. we'll start with the severe weather threat on the west coast states. torrential downpours, large hail and the threat for

tornadoes throughout the afternoon, baton rouge, new orleans, mobile, alabama and the western florida pan handle. on the backside of that, a white christmas across the sooner state. could pick up good accumulations along interstate 40. rob and brandi? >> thank you, andrew. now to something that will put a smile on your face this christmas. we're going to go to wall street where the short trading day wasn't as much of a drag as usual this year. take a look. the drag queens ring the opening bell at the new york stock exchange. >> the world famous all-male dance troupe beginning a three-day engagement here in new york. they shared their excitement by frolicking on the streets of lower manhattan. look at all those jingle bells. >> thank you. it's christmas. trying to have a little fun today. >> one of the more interesting bell openings. that's cool.

everyone is having a good time, in the spirit. i like to see that. coming up -- willis enjoyed that story. coming up, a christmas present for movie fans. today's releases and the oscar buzz already. but first after the break, the award winning best actor known for his role jack klugman made us laugh. you're watching "world news now." want that say wowing eyes

with olay, here's how. new regenerist eye and lash duo the cream smooths the look of lids... softens the look of lines. the serum instantly thickens the look of lashes. see wow!... eyes in just one week with olay. it's time to free ourselves from the smell and harshness of bleach. and free ourselves from worrying about the ones we love. new lysol power & free has more cleaning power than bleach. how? the secret is the hydrogen peroxide formula. it attacks tough stains

and kills 99.9% of germs. new lysol power & free. powerful cleaning that's family friendly. another step forward in our mission for health. when you give a child a toy, it has to work. ♪ make just one someone happy and when it's a toys for tots child, well, what could be more important? so this year, every hasbro toy donated to toys for tots

will be powered by duracell. happy holidays. duracell with duralock. trusted everywhere.

welcome back, everybody. some sad news from hollywood on this christmas morning. one half of tv's legendary "odd couple" has passed away. >> jack klugman played a dramatic tv role in "quincy abc's neal karlinsky looks back. ♪ >> reporter: for an entire generation, he'll always be oscar madison. >> are you in this game or not? >> i'm in. >> reporter: that sloppy roommate to felix in "the odd couple" about two divorced men living together. a neat freak and a slob. the show, which ran from 1970

to 1975 was defined by jack klugman's character. the clash of opposites made the show irresistible to the audience. >> here, drink this. >> reporter: klugman won two emmys for the role. not bad for the man whose first drama teacher told him he was better suited to be a truck driver. >> gentlemen, you are about to enter the most fascinating sphere of police work. >> reporter: later, he redefined himself with a second tv character. >> let me give you a lesson in anatomy. >> reporter: as quincy, he was a los angeles medical examiner, with a knack for solving crime. quincy was the csi of his time and then some. he made a few films, starring opposite jack lemmon. and with an all-star cast in "12

angry men." >> i've played in backyards filled with garbage. >> reporter: he died peacefully at his home in north ridge, california with his wife peggy by his side. he was 90. neal karlinsky, abc news. >> great smile, too. just a character face. >> long life, too. >> this is how cool this cat was, he lost his voice to throat cancer in the '80s and he trained himself to speak again. >> that's amazing. "entertainment weekly" had this statement, klugman remains a popular star for decades by playing the type of man you can imagine running into at a bar or riding on a subway with. gruff but down to earth. there was a certain relatability to him. so may he rest in peace after a long, respectable career. we'll be right back with more after this. "world news now"

♪ ♪ welcome back and merry christmas. there's the holiday music. this is probably going to be one of the most thankless jobs in the world this time of the year, you know, the santa elves at the department store helping usher the kids in. >> oh, yes. in the true spirit of the holidays, a spirit of selflessness, of giving and of utter foolishness, i decided to try out for the job at macy's. i'm about to start now, this very important duty as one of santa's main elves here at the macy's in manhattan. very big and important job. so important i have a mentor here. >> i will be mentoring you today. what is your elf name? >> herald. see, news guy? herald. what is the best part of being one of santa's helpers?

>> there's nothing more magical than seeing a kid walk in and seeing santa claus for the first time. >> first, i need to get into my official elf uniform. you dream your whole life, those of us in tv news, about getting to the network. sometimes the dream shatters. >> you made it to the north pole. you have to walk all the way through santa's village so you can see the whole town first before you get to santa's actual house. >> how many kids do you think santa will see just today? >> oh, my goodness. we see thousands a day. probably at least 10,000, maybe even more. >> every day? >> every day. >> we're making our way closer to santa here. >> we're in the town hall right now. >> this is very cool. we have the trains right here. the kids must love that, too. >> this is probably the hardest thing to pull them away from to get them to see santa. they're almost as popular as him. >> we're getting close to the

moment here. >> give me some elf tips here. give me some advice here. >> well, always be cheerful. always wish everyone a merry christmas. and just be happy. >> this is the big moment. >> hello, herald. >> santa. >> sit right here. >> it's been a while, santa. >> remember what santa told you, all the children are good. they have that spirit inside of them, and they're excited to see me. >> always. who wouldn't be? i'm excited. >> we have so much fun here, don't we? >> absolutely. now that i've met the big boss, it's time to learn how to take those iconic santa photos. >> let's bring in the children. >> just scan the ticket. now to take a photo, it's the space bar here. >> this should be fairly easy. it's not as easy as it looks. >> we're good. make them smile.

>> i'll get some kids. >> bring them in. >> she looks happy, santa. >> she looks good. we're going to look right here at the jingle bell, all right? right there for me. stay cheese for me, jasmine. >> cheese. >> wonderful. >> after some practice, i finally get it right. >> that's a good one, guys. santa, i tried. >> you have a lot of spirit. you interacted with those children very well. >> thank you, santa. and you have a merry christmas. >> remember, this is the most wonderful time of the year. ho, ho, ho, ho. >> santa had me jostling around. that was a moment. but the good thing is, those kids can write letters to santa

at the macy's. and they've been donating $1 for every letter to make a wish. and we want to thank our staff for our festive set. we have our yule log in the back. jack is over there, playing with the yule log. k.'ll be back.

♪ you're a mean one, mr. grinch ♪ >> we have a very special insomniac theater this morning as major movies open today. >> there are some definite oscar contenders in this group. there's a comedy, a musical, and something in the category kind of all on its own. [ phone rings ] >> i got it. >> put them on hold. >> i'm trying. >> a-listers abound in "parental guidance." >> bette midler teams up with billy crystal.

>> perfectly sums up your entire approach to parenting. >> it's a new take on the story of a modern family. "parental guidance" is rated pg. a stage sensation for decades, the musical "les miserables" arrives on the silver screen. victor hugo's classic story of broken dreams, sacrifice and redemption, told in a way past versions never could. it's rated pg-13. >> django. >> jamie foxx is "django unchained." the star of the civil war era adventure. >> don't get so carried away with your reputation. >> a slave that teams up with a fugitive hunter to capture the most wanted man in the south.

>> stop talking to him. >> calm down. i'm simply a customer trying to conduct a transaction. >> last chance. >> very well. >> but django never loses sight of his real plan to rescue his wife. she has been sold to plantation owner owned by leonardo dicaprio. >> he is a rambunctious sort, about he? >> the daring plot to save his wife is foiled by samuel l. jackson. jonah hill is also in this one. it's rated r. >> anyone brought an extra bag? i'm just asking. >> a variety. >> tarantino makes some good stuff. i've seen some stuff on facebook and twitter about that one. >> you have to see "les miserables" in the theater first before in the movies. >> i tend to agree. there's a lot of good selection out there. take a little time from the

eggnog and the gifts and check out a movie or two. we have more from abc, coming up next. [ female announcer ] now get high speed internet at home on our newly expanded advanced digital network, a connection you can count on. introducing at&t u-verse high speed internet with more speed options, reliability and wi-fi hot spots than ever. go to our website below to get u-verse high speed internet for just 14.95 a month for 12 months with a one-year price guarantee. it's all the speed you need all at a great price.

our newly expanded advanced digital network gives you more of what you enjoy online. and with at&t, our wireless gateway turns your home into a private wi-fi hot spot that connects your wi-fi devices and can even save on your smart phone data usage at home. go to our website below to get at&t u-verse high speed internet for just 14.95 a month for 12 months with a one-year price guarantee. that includes access on-the-go to our entire national wi-fi hot spot network, with over 30,000 hot spots. at&t u-verse high speed internet. now on our newly expanded advanced digital network, a connection your whole house can count on. ♪

this morning on "world news now," deadly ambush. the heartbreak and serious questions after a man set a fire in a plot to kill firefighters. >> how did the suspect, who had been convicted of killing his own grandmother, get the gun and carry out his cruel plan? it's tuesday, december 25. >> from abc news, this is "world news now." >> good morning, and merry christmas. i am brandi hitt in for paula faris today. >> thanks for being with us early on this holiday morning.

we appreciate it. merry christmas to you and everybody. hope it's a good start to your day. i'm rob nelson. we're going to take you to upstate new york. unfortunately, horrible news to bring you on this christmas morning. a community there feeling such heartache after this bizarre shooting plot that left two firefighters dead. we'll get to that in a second. several feet of snow slammed northern california and there's a tragedy on the ski slopes to report to you this morning. we'll explain exactly what happened there. as you can imagine also, we'll be heading to newtown, connecticut where there's tremendous outpouring of support in that community that's still trying to heal. christmas may never be the same, but the holiday spirit thriving there. >> and they've gotten attention and cards and stuffed animals from around the globe. so good to see that. later this half hour, we ask you what is your favorite christmas comedy? "home alone" made the list. how many years since that came out. you have to see what else made

the list. you have to stay tuned for that. i think folks made some very good calls, i must say on our christmas comedy competition this year. >> i agree, especially with what's number one. what do you think is ranked number top? >> i got a sneak peek, but i think it's a good call. suburban rochester, new york becomes the latest community to face the deadly consequences of gun violence. >> on christmas eve, two volunteer firefighters, one a veteran police officer, the other a young 911 dispatcher, were gunned down. and there still may be more victims buried in the rubble right now. >> reporter: about 100 people stood in the cold night outside rochester, new york, holding candles in honor of volunteer firefighters who were slain in the line of duty. they had no chance when they drove to a huge fire on the

shores of lake ontario. >> it appears it was a trap. that there was a car and a house that were engulfed in flames. probably set by mr. spangler. >> reporter: the alleged shooter, william spangler, convicted of killing his 92-year-old grandmother with a hammer, shot at the firefighters. >> he was shooting from a high ground advantage from near the home where he had barricaded or set himself up with his weapons. >> reporter: two firefighters died on the scene. two more suffered gunshot wounds. they're hospitalized and expected to recover. one of the first police officers to arrive in the confusing mayhem of gunfire and seven burning homes engaged the shooter and most probably saved many lives. an armored personnel carrier evacuated people pinned down. the 62-year-old's sister, who was living in his house, is still missing. police are still searching for a motive for yet another tragic shooting spree just a few days

after the murder of 20 children and 6 adults in a connecticut elementary school. >> just a shock that something like this would happen. but for some reason, violence is rearing its ugly head in this community and everywhere. also making news this christmas, a snowboarder is dead after an avalanche in california's taco ski resort area. the 49-year-old california man had been snowboarding apart from his friends and it was several hours before he was reported missing. it then took an extensive effort before a search dog found him. storm ended up dumping several feet of snow in that area over the weekend, making the conditions there hazardous. >> there was a couple that were groomed, but where the avalanche occurred there was not a groomed trail around. >> the body was found under several feet of snow. two other resorts in the area also had avalanches. one which buried a ski patroller for about eight minutes. but three adventurers to the north were luckier. they got lost during a weekend camping trip near mt. hood,

oregon. the two women and their experienced guide are in all good health. they had called 911 on sunday to say they were lost, but they did have food and sleeping bags, as well. it is a somber holiday in newtown, connecticut. just days after the shooting at sandy hook elementary. but well wishers are doing their best to try and reach out. abc's linsey davis reports. >> reporter: a town in need of christmas cheer got it from across the country. in sparta, wisconsin, we saw these 26 snow angels, each for tin sent lives lost in newtown. each with a name and age. from kalamazoo, michigan, 700 bracelets from a business and students headed to newtown. flower seeds inside each of those smiling faces for the community to wear and plant. and for the newtown police department, officers around connecticut banning together, volunteering to work on christmas day so every newtown officer can have the day off

with their family. and at their town hall, mountains of donated toys from all over the country. even hurricane sandy victims sending comfort and kindness from what little they have left. nearly two months since sandy and many still live without power. volunteers going door to door. one family said they just wanted a christmas tree for their children. so volunteers from maryland got to work. in one of the most devastated neighborhoods, we spotted a secret santa known as sandy claus making special deliveries. >> i couldn't stop smiling. i just love to see the look on the kids' faces and finally be happy after all the devastation they wept through. >> reporter: 8-year-old patricia, whose family is still without power, lit up. >> i was so surprised. >> reporter: so you had no idea? >> i had no idea. >> reporter: back in newtown, connecticut, the community is shining bright with these. tens of thousands of luminaries. each home placing 26 lights out front so santa can find his way.

linsey davis, abc news, new york. >> i love that, the 26 lights. and a lot of folks are talking about these 26 random acts of kindness, one act in honor of each of the victims who were killed inside the school. that's a great way to honor their memory. that's picking up some steam. you see some stuff in social media about that. that's something that is happening, as well. also cool, the whole newtown police force gets to be off today and spend christmas with their family because all of the other cops around the state saying go home, we'll pick up the slack on christmas. that's so great. they seed some physical and mental and emotional time off. >> you hear from so many victims that say your priorities change immediately. you don't have a home this holiday, what are you supposed to do? >> exactly. as we open our gifts this morning, keep the sandy folks and newtown folks in your head and your heart today, folks. also with a holiday message, pope benedict xvi expressed his

annual christmas message. he's worried that people are not making enough time for god in their technology driven lives. the pope opened that service with a traditional latin wish for peace and blessed thousands of worships during midnight mass at st. peters basilica. >> and with that, here's a look now at your christmas day weather. there's the threat of tornadoes unfortunately on this holiday in louisiana, alabama, mississippi. they could have a rough few hours ahead. heavy snow in oklahoma and some morning fog in atlanta and tallahassee. >> and bundle up in the upper midwest, with the windchill. fargo will be like 35 below. yeah. maybe put on an extra christmas log there. omaha in the mid teens and mid 40s in baltimore and new york. a pleasant 80 and flip-flops in miami. >> i'm always jealous of miami this time of the year. have fun at the beach, guys. >> in your bikini. >> and if you can't believe this, there really is actually a santa claus. he looks the part, he acts the

part and now living the part year round. the former great paskuzi on new york's long island. he's changed his name to santa claus. it's even printed on his driver's license. >> so he's officially santa claus. he does work as santa during the holidays. but the rest of the year, he's a 54-year-old construction worker and barbecue joint proprietor with a wife and four children. and now, of course, a very unusual, but very well known name. >> i want to get his shirt. i don't know if you saw the shirt he had on underneath. that puts every christmas sweater -- >> if more people had the christmas spirit all year around, the world would be a nicer place. so congrats to you, mr. santa claus. all right. coming up next, a special visit from our own santa claus. >> got to stay tuned for this. >> ho, ho, ho. >> clearly the low point of all of our mornings. so you don't want to miss that.

>> ho, ho, ho. >> you can hear him coming already. but first, the holiday message from the queen of england. it's taking on a whole new dimension. you're watching "world news now." >> she looks like santa. "world news now" weather brought to you by no-no hair removal. it's time to change the way we clean.

it's time to free ourselves from the smell and harshness of bleach. and free ourselves from worrying about the ones we love. new lysol power & free has more cleaning power than bleach. how? the secret is the hydrogen peroxide formula. it attacks tough stains and kills 99.9% of germs.

new lysol power & free. powerful cleaning that's family friendly. another step forward in our mission for health. let's fate it, folks, what says christmas more than the

ugly christmas sweater. does it possibly get any worse than this? >> you need to be up wrapped apparently. >> hey, hey. ho, ho, ho there. >> and thank you to paula faris for this lovely gift. i appreciate it very much. some sparkle going on. >> very nice. we're in full holiday mode now. so try to focus on the words, if that's possible in these outfits. >> this is a tradition for many, but one holiday tradition is also getting an upgrade to the 21st century later on this morning. >> for the first time, queen elizabeth's message will be in 3-d. >> reporter: at the end of a memorable year for britain and the royal family, the queen's christmas broadcast this year is expected to look back at some of the highlights. from her diamond jubilee when crowds celebrated her 60 years on the throne and from the london olympics. the broadcast was recorded earlier this month at buckingham palace.

for the first time, her version has been made in 3-d, a viewing of which requires not just a special television but 3-d glasses. the queen, we're told, is happy with the result. in an extract issued in advance, she talks about the achievements of the 2012 olympic and paralympic games. >> all those who saw the achievement and courage at the olympic and paralympic games were further inspired by the skills, dedication, training and team work of our athletes. >> reporter: much of the royal family is now at the queen's estate in norfolk where they traditionally spend christmas. absent this year will be the duke and duchess of cambridge. they're spending christmas privately with the duchess' parents, a departure from the normal routine to help catherine, who is still in the early months of her pregnancy. coming up next, we have your favorite holiday comedies. tont go far, everybody. we'll be right back.

♪ it's the most wonderful time of the year ♪ ah, yes, welcome back, everyone. at long last, it's time to reveal the winner in our first annual christmas comedy competition. may i say you look ravishing tonight in what is now a holiday tradition, the ugly christmas sweater.

>> it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood, mr. rogers. >> i appreciate that. >> can you move at all? a little tight? >> this is a girl's sweater here, but i squeezed into this thing tonight. >> really nice. >> yeah, i'm going to do a dance later on. >> green is your color. >> thank you very much. brings out my eyes. >> among other things. so we're going to start. we have top five. we'll begin with number five. we actually have a tie between "elf" and "home alone." >> elf" from 2003 and "home alone" from way back in 1990. >> are we doing this to make ourselves feel old? i was 15. >> 22 years ago. man, poor joe pesci. i know the feeling in this sweater. and coming in at number four, everybody, this one is truly an all-time classic. "miracle on 34th street" from

way back in 1947. >> a classic. i love living in new york now. i actually have a little basis for this movie. at number three, you'll shoot your eye out "a christmas story" from back in 1983. don't stick your tongue on a pole. >> everyone loves this movie. this was a great classic. the dad had this crazy leg lamp and he wanted the bb gun, you'll shoot your eye out. so many classics in this. everyone loved that movie. so no shocker that made the list. that classic scene in the mall where santa puts his foot on ralphie down the slide. everyone loves that. a little bit of american family in that one. >> shocking result for number two. look. ♪ he knows when you're awake he knows when you've been bad ♪ >> this is a very heralded "kumar 3-d christmas." we have it on good authority that the director voted in this contest. he's a big fan of the show. >> we like to hear that. we have all kinds of audiences on the overnight.

so glad to hear the director is a big fan. >> and number one, drumroll, please. we have "national lampoons christmas vacation" from 1989. >> this is my favorite. we want to thank the folks who voted on this. this is my personal favorite. i've seen it 20,000 times. every time i still laugh at this. who doesn't love the griswolds? classic moments here. so what was your favorite? >> my favorite, cousin eddie, who epitomizes class, class, class. >> say it clark. >> what are you looking at? >> oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morning. the clean, cool chill of the holiday hair. then that [ bleep ] in his bathrobe emptying a chemical toilet into my sewer. >> looks like a scene from my backyard back in my hometown.

>> randy quaid. save a neck for me, clark. >> that's right. and my favorite moment, maybe a lot of people's too, is when that squirrel jumps out of the tree when they're in the living room and they're that sound. they're like, i hear a squeaky sound. and that squirrel jumps out of the tree. >> ahhhhh! >> the blind squirrel. >> i love that. he's like mom, don't move and she still passed out. >> that was tough to pick our favorite moments from that movie because there's so many. >> oh, man, there was like 800. uncle lewis, you couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant. everyone loves that movie. we all love our holiday movies. we have our favorites and certainly a lot of funny ones make the list. so thanks for taking part in our first christmas comedy competition. this has been obviously a very special edition of "project

runway" and we appreciate you stopping by. >> let's turn and give the full effect. >> mine may rip any minute now. >> put your arms down. >> there we go. >> from mr. rogers, i'm paula faris. thanks for watching. we'll be right back, everybody. runway" and we appreciate you smoothes, lifts, defies?

red jars are all the same right? wrong! you need three uses of a $15 cream to equal the moisturizing power of one use of regenerist microsculpting cream. seems not all red jars are created equal. olay regenerist.

♪ here comes santa claus, here comes santa claus, right down santa claus lane ♪ >> it is a happy time. happy sweaters, and this is -- we don't know what's about to happen here. all we know is we have our own santa claus visiting. we have our own -- >> ho, ho, ho. merry christmas, boys and girls. merry christmas. yes, i am tired. i am all messed up here. i've just been running around. merry christmas, everybody. >> do you have presents for us, santa? >> oh, yes, i do! yes, i do. lots of presents. what would you like? back off, young man.

back off! i said back off! >> that is beautiful. what is that, velvet? oh, my lord. >> there you go, look. >> i'm going to give you something really nice. yeah, that looks perfect. >> what else do you have? >> we have a lot of things in here. we have, hey, here's mickey for you. >> oh, look at that, santa. >> this is for you. >> and a mug for you. >> i've already got a mug, santa. this is the most cheap, rundown, broke santa i've ever seen. >> have a little ball for you, too. merry christmas, everybody. merry christmas.

merry christmas, everybody. merry christmas. i'm shouting out. merry christmas, everybody. merry christmas. >> santa, before you scare anymore suburban children, how did you get -- are you having a good christmas, santa? i know you're a busy man, traveling the world. you stopped by the overnight. >> santa had some laughing gas, apparently. >> we're going to send you off. you have more kids to stop with. >> yes, i have to travel, yes, i do. >> you look good, santa. is that a very expensive suit? >> very expensive. nothing for you. nothing! >> this is wonderful, santa. >> merry christmas, everybody! so long. >> hold on, hold on. it's the emmy committee. yes, we accept.

thank you kindly. this is abc's "world news >r

good morning, america. and merry christmas. this morning, as you gather with your family around the tree, opening up the presents, celebrate with us, all that is special about today. and we're going to show you just how to make all those toys and gadgets work, so you can actually play with them right now. and we have a special treat this morning. mario batali is here, joining in on our merriment. he will show us how to make a tasty christmas breakfast. and we're all going to be put to the test with the ultimate gingerbread house competition. who will build the sweetest house of all? we will find out. and a universe-wide